Donald - failed to sparkle.

It was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show for a tired and psychologically drained Luke Donald.

The USA-based Englishman played the first two days with legends Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus and was part of the celebrations as the latter bowed out of the majors in an emotional farewell at St Andrews on Friday.

That he managed to be three under in all that commotion was a credit to Donald - but it all came apart as he partnered US Open champion Michael Campbell.

He shot a five-over 77 in an odd round which started with a birdie, was followed by bogeys at the third, sixth and seventh, before he eagled the short par-four ninth.

Three more dropped shots came at the 11th, 15th and 16th before he doubled the 17th to finish two over.

"It was very different today but I enjoyed the last two days and I wish I had had it again, it would have maybe made me play a bit better," said the Hemel Hempstead-born player.

"This is the Open at St Andrews and I was playing with the US Open champion so I wouldn't say it was an anti-climax but it wasn't quite as loud from the crowd.

"It was a little bit draining (playing with Nicklaus). Being in among that much emotion is something I have not experienced but I will never forget it, it was a treat and it will live with me forever.

"A lot of pros were envious because they wanted to play with Jack and Tom Watson in Jack's last major.

"But I just feel like I'm mentally and physically tired. I played for two weeks before this and also in a pro-am and maybe I did too much before this week. Maybe I've got to think about that for next year.

"I felt a little bit drained and low on energy today and I finished horribly, just losing concentration.

"Winning is out if the question but I'll regroup and hopefully play a solid round [tomorrow] and then I've got a couple of weeks off before I get ready for the PGA Championship (in August)."

Ever since the 27-year-old made such an impression last year, forcing his way into the Ryder Cup team on the back of two late European Tour victories, he has been hailed as the best hope to break Britain's drought at the majors - which stretches back to Paul Lawrie's victory at Carnoustie in 1999.

Nick Faldo, a six-time major winner, including three Open triumphs, tipped Donald as the best British prospect this week and it is widely felt that he will, at some point, make the step up.

However, it is not something which bothers Donald, who prefers to see it as a compliment rather than a burden.

He believes his best chance is not on these shores but back in America where he has been living for a number of years since attending college in Chicago.

"You don't really think about it when you are playing. I was disappointed with my round today but I don't think it is any added pressure," said the 27-year-old.

"It comes with the territory of playing well and you expect that. It is a compliment that people think I am good enough to win and their beliefs carry on to me.

"Of all the majors I think my game is more suited to a US Open-style golf course. I have not had as much practice on links-style courses as some of the other guys but if you play well and putt well you can succeed - regardless of whether it is the US or British Open.

"I'll always come here (to the Open) with high hopes of winning."